About the role

Kernel is growing!!! We’ve grown 100%+ year on year for the past six years. With 50K customers today and growth on track to reach 100K by the end of next year.

We’re looking for an Operations Lead to join our Investment Operations Team. You will act as the operational “control tower” for the investment team as a key Middle Office function. You will oversee the systems, reporting and processes that ensure trades are processed correctly, data is accurate and operational controls are maintained.

Working closely with portfolio managers, brokers and external service providers, you will play a key role in ensuring the operational infrastructure supporting the funds runs smoothly and reliably.

The role is highly detail-oriented and data-driven, with responsibility for operational reporting, ownership of our Order Management System (OMS), and supporting fund accounting processes and reconciliations.

About Kernel

Kernel Wealth is a growing fintech company on a mission to help Kiwis build wealth, improve financial literacy, and create lasting saving and investing habits. Our investment platform makes investing simple and accessible, with tools and guidance to support long-term financial goals.

We’re at an exciting stage, scaling fast, expanding our team, and building the foundations for the next phase of growth. Our culture is collaborative, hands-on and ambitious.

Things move quickly here, and every person plays a key role in shaping what we become.

What you’ll do

Own and manage the Order Management System (OMS)

Take ownership of the organisation’s trading system, ensuring trades flow correctly through the entire lifecycle — from order creation and compliance checks through to execution, allocation and settlement.

Maintain operational data and system integrity

Ensure investment instruments, brokers, accounts and settlement instructions are accurately maintained in the system to support trading activity.

Produce operational and investor reporting

Prepare and maintain reporting such as monthly fact sheets, quarterly fund updates and operational reporting for internal stakeholders and external providers.

Support fund accounting processes

Work closely with administrators and custodians to support month-end and year-end processes, including reconciliations, pricing validation and reporting accuracy.

Reconcile data and resolve operational issues

Identify and investigate discrepancies across systems and providers, resolving issues and strengthening operational controls.

Manage operational relationships and processes

Act as the key operational contact for administrators, custodians and brokers while supporting process improvements and operational infrastructure as the business grows.

About you

You'll bring experience from within investment operations, fund administration or asset servicing, along with a strong understanding of how investment operations and trade processes work.

You will likely have:

• 3+ years’ experience in investment operations, middle office, fund operations or fund accounting

• Experience operating or supporting an Order Management System (OMS) such as Bloomberg AIM, SS&C EZE, Charles River or similar

• Understanding of the trade lifecycle across equities and fixed income markets

• Strong Excel and data manipulation skills

• Excellent attention to detail and a strong operational control mindset

• Confidence working with multiple systems, datasets and stakeholders

Experience with data tools such as Power BI, Tableau or SQL would be advantageous but is not essential.

Why You’ll Love it at Kernel:

• Connecting Kiwis with investment products that are designed in a way no other fintech in New Zealand is approaching, connecting everyday financial goals with intuitive, customer-first experiences.

• Contribute to a platform trusted by tens of thousands of Kiwis, helping them feel more confident and in control of their money.

• Execute operational excellence across Kernel’s investment operations function.

• Join a team built on trust, collaboration, and flexibility, where feedback is constructive and everyone has a voice.

• Competitive compensation package

• Health insurance, parental leave top-up, and professional development support

• Extra staff holidays, office snacks, coffee, and a dog-friendly environment

Join our team

Not sure you meet every requirement? We encourage you to apply. We value growth, impact, and mindset just as much as specific experience. If this opportunity sounds like you, send us your cover letter explaining why you’re excited about the role and working at Kernel, along with your CV.

Visit our careers page: kernelwealth.co.nz/our-team for more on working at Kernel and follow us on LinkedIn & Instagram to stay connected.